2293: Is There any Conflict Between Entering Islam and Playing Basketball?

I am a non-Muslim, and I was wondering if I become Muslim can I still play basketball?

Praise be to Allaah.

Yes, you could become Muslim and still play basketball, so long as
there is nothing forbidden or harmful involved. Islam does not forbid sports that exercise
the body and strengthen its muscles. Indeed, it is the body’s right that its owner
should take care of it, as the Prophet of Islam Muhammad
(peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "Your body has a right over you." (Reported by
al-Bukhaari, 4800). One of the benefits of basketball is that it is based
on aiming the ball correctly. So there is nothing wrong with playing it, so long as it is
not combined with something forbidden such as gambling or deliberately harming or hitting
others, and as long as it does not distract a person from praying and so on. By the way, I
am sure that you are not unaware that there are a number of internationally known
basketball players who have embraced Islam. Our advice to you is: don’t hesitate to
enter Islam, for there is nothing to stop you. We ask Allaah to help you to follow the
truth and to guide you to the way of goodness, for He guides whom He wills to the Straight
Path.